Ringing in the New Year in Stylish Aqua

by Helen Kain | Dec 31, 2021 | Antique glassware, Blue, Christmas, New Year, Recent, Winter Tablescapes

It’s been a year of ups and downs. A bit like a Covid remake of the shower scene from Psycho, on repeat. I’m all for switching off the screen and turning our attention elsewhere. So let’s end on an up note with a stylishly sophisticated table....

Inslee Fariss’ 12 Days of Christmas

by Helen Kain | Dec 22, 2021 | Christmas, Pink and Red, Recent, White, Winter Tablescapes

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me… … A Patridge in a Pear Tree. Thank you, Anthropologie, for a new and somewhat whacky twist on an old favourite. These particular plates are from a couple of years ago. Anthropologie has a new set by...

Royal Stafford Christmas

by Helen Kain | Dec 4, 2021 | Black, Christmas, Green, Pink and Red, Recent, Winter Tablescapes

There is something infinitely appealing about an old-fashioned Christmas scene, with half-timbered houses, ladies in bonnets and long skirts, and wait … what is that cart?  Carol singers, people exchanging greetings, the decorated tree and a happy dog are...

A Dreamy Wedgwood-Style Fruitcake

by Helen Kain | Dec 1, 2021 | Cakes, Christmas, Recent, Winter Recipes

A few years ago, visiting the Chatsworth Farm Shop during the Christmas Market reignited my love affair with moist, luscious, brandy-soaked fruitcake. The genuine article, not the sawdust brick masquerading as such, which is distressingly common. I could only...

Kicking Off the Christmas Season with Penguin Mugs

by Helen Kain | Nov 27, 2021 | Black, Blue, Christmas, Green, Pink and Red, Recent

It’s tree-trimming day—when we haul two artificial trees in their “body bags” along with boxes of lights and ornaments up from the basement (my least favourite part).  Glenn wrestles the real tree into its stand and lies on the floor, awkwardly...

A Touch of Woodland Sparkle to Finish the Year

by Helen Kain | Dec 31, 2020 | Brown, Christmas, Green, White, Winter Tablescapes

Let’s send 2020 on its way with a whimsical table setting, with plates featuring handpainted watercolours of woodland animals set with humble pine cones and some glitzy gold. Designed by artist and founder Hannah Dale of Wrendale Designs, they are described...